Imo Police Command Detains Officer, Two Corps Personnel For Alleged Extortion Of Motorist In Viral Video
Imo Police Command Detains Officer, Two Corps Personnel For Alleged Extortion Of Motorist In Viral Video
The Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, directed the command’s Complaint Response Unit to investigate the allegations and establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
The Imo State Police Command has detained a police traffic warden and two personnel of the State Civil Guard Corps over alleged harassment and extortion of a motorist in Owerri, the state capital.
The incident was captured in a viral video showing the personnel confronting and allegedly extorting a motorist they accused of driving without a driver’s licence.
In a statement issued on Friday, the command identified the police officer as Inspector Chinewe Ejiogu, attached to the Shell Camp Divisional Police Headquarters in Owerri.
The two State Civil Guard Corps personnel were identified as Kelechi Nzediagwu and Onyedikachi Chibuike.
According to the police, the three personnel are currently detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) as investigations into the incident begin.
The Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, directed the command’s Complaint Response Unit to investigate the allegations and establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.
The command also urged the affected motorist to report to the unit and provide relevant information to assist the investigation.
It said appropriate disciplinary action would follow the conclusion of the probe.
Condemning the conduct depicted in the video, the police described the alleged behaviour as unacceptable and contrary to the discipline and integrity expected of law enforcement personnel.
The command stressed that no traffic violation could justify extortion, harassment or abuse of office.
It also warned its personnel to discharge their duties in accordance with the law and treat members of the public with respect.
The police urged residents to report suspected misconduct through the appropriate channels, assuring the public that it would take allegations against its personnel seriously.
The incident has renewed concerns about alleged extortion and abuse of authority by security personnel during routine traffic enforcement.
